Western Australia

South Australia

Tasmania

Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Wineglass Bay & Three Capes

Overview

Start the journey off at the Bay of Fires, one of Australia’s most startling natural wonders renowned for its magnificent outcrops of pink granite, orange lichen boulders, breathtaking white beaches and azure blue skies. This remote corner of Tasmania’s unfettered coastline is also teeming with wildlife making the walking here an absolute delight.

Next is a jewel amongst Tasmania’s National Parks – Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay. The imposing granite peaks of the Hazards, exquisite pink granite craggy tors and white sandy beaches that dot the peninsula are among the many highlights of walking in this park.

Further south we’ll explore the Tasman Peninsula with its unusual but magnificent geological formations with names like the Tessellated Pavement, Eaglehawk Neck, Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman’s Arch and Waterfall Bay. The walks on the 3 Capes Track at Cape Hauy and at Cape Raoul are rated amongst the best walks in Australia with one of a kind iconic views ever-present. The dark days of Australia’s convict history come to life at the Coal Mines Historic Site; a place of un-crowded ruins that offers a non-touristy perspective at Port Arthur.

Every last detail is taken care of so you can fully experience extraordinary Tasmania. At night, freshen up and settle in at your comfortable accommodation. The a la carte two course dinners and cooked breakfasts make indulgent bookends to each day. And with two outstanding guides, you can pace yourself with a choice of easier or more challenging walking options along the way.

GROUP-GUIDED

Trip Length

Days

From

$

per person twin/double share

Single Supplement

$495

per person

Single Supplement

Australian hotel accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there is one or two people occupying it.

In order to cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single supplement fee, a cost that we make no margin on.

Grade

Easy to Moderate

Grade 2 - Easy to Moderate

Some hill sections and occasional steps. Walking experience not required.

DAY 1

This holiday commences in Launceston at 8.00am. Travel to Tasmania’s sunny east coast.

On this afternoon’s walk, we’ll explore the northern section of the Bay of Fires. From long, secluded beaches to abundant wildlife and unique history, this hike offers constant points of interest along with its uninterrupted coastal views that stretch to the lighthouse at Eddystone Point. There’s a good chance of spotting kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons along the coastline of the Mt William National Park. Expect diverse vegetation, abundant bird life, and a real sense of place while following in the footsteps of the Aboriginal people who once walked along the same path.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 12 km / 3-4 hrs

Meals: Lunch and two course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at resort restaurant

Accommodation: Tidal Waters Resort St Helens in ensuited rooms

DAY 2

The morning’s walk features more stunning beaches of the Bay of Fires. Like much of Tasmania’s east coast, this area is dominated by pink granite, with a very high quartz content that breaks down into pure white sand. Many of the pink granite rocks also have an orange lichen cover. The white sands combined with magnificent outcrops of pink granite, orange lichen and an azure blue sky make this walk a photographer’s delight. It’s also a great walk for observing sea birds such as gulls, terns, gannets, albatrosses, oystercatchers and majestic sea eagles. During the afternoon, there’s an optional hike along coastal cliff top tracks or free time to swim or relax at beautiful Binalong Bay.

DAY 3

Today we head south to one of Tasmania’s jewels – the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Jutting out into the sea, the imposing granite peaks of the Hazards and the many white sandy beaches that dot the peninsula welcome you as you enter the park. Our circuit walk takes you to a lookout with spectacular views over picturesque Wineglass Bay. After a stroll along this delightful beach we continue across the isthmus to the more remote Hazards Beach. Next, we’ll explore a boardwalk with stunning views at Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Tonight, there’s an opportunity to visit a penguin colony (at extra cost).

DAY 4

Today we travel south to the Tasman National Park – an area that preserves diverse forest and spectacular coastline on this picturesque peninsula. On an afternoon walk, we’ll explore the Coal Mines Historic Site where uncrowded ruins offer a true perspective on Tasmania’s convict history. This was Tasmania’s first operational mine and served as a place of punishment for the worst class of convicts from Port Arthur. On the walk, we’ll see remains of stone dormitories used to house the convicts, solitary punishment cells, officers’ quarters and old mining shafts. Expect to see kangaroos and wallabies as well as observe sea birds such as gulls, terns, gannets, albatrosses, oystercatchers and majestic sea eagles.

DAY 5

A full day’s walk today commences at the Tessellated Pavement. Discover the unusual set of geological circumstances that have resulted in this rare landform with a tiled appearance.

Then on to Eaglehawk Neck, which is a narrow strip of land that separates the Tasman Peninsula from the mainland. The infamous ‘dog line’ ran across this narrow neck of land to prevent convict prisoners escaping from Port Arthur penal colony. Explore the historic military barracks and other relics whilst learning of bizarre attempts at escape. The walk continues passing unusual rock formations like the Blowhole, Devils Kitchen and Tasman’s Arch. Waterfall Bay offers a spectacular view across the cliff-lined bay to a waterfall that, after rain, plummets straight into the sea. Continue along the cliff tops to a high vantage point overlooking the rugged sea cliffs.

Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 6-7 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast / lunch and an la carte dinner in a local restaurant

Accommodation: The Lufra Eaglehawk Neck in ensuited rooms

DAY 6

Today we do a full day hike at Cape Raoul, one of the 3 capes which incidentally is not linked to the official 3 Capes walk as yet. We hike through tall stringybark forest, old sheoak woodland and coastal banksia scrub. As we walk we sight the world-renowned big wave surfing spot Shipstern Bluff. At the cape, we settle down for lunch and soak up the awesome view, jagged dolerite columns that rise up from the waves and blue sea and sky on an epic scale. Gannets, terns, sea eagles and the endangered wedge-tailed eagle can often be seen.

DAY 7

Another solid day’s hike in the Tasman National Park. The challenging option is out to Cape Hauy and includes some of the most stunning coastal scenery anywhere in Australia. The dramatic sea cliffs and fluted rock pillars that line the cape are a major highlight. These columnar dolerite cliffs are outstanding examples of a rock type that is very rare on the mainland. The easier option is to walk to Bivouac Bay with another optional side trip to Thumbs Point for fabulous coastal views. We’ll travel back to Hobart via the picturesque village of Richmond, famous for its historic convict-built bridge. We’ll arrive in Hobart just after 5:00pm.

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 6-7 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Walk Grading

The tracks are quite varied but they’re mostly well graded and easy to negotiate. Full day walks average about 14km. There’s an opportunity for walkers to really challenge themselves on some of the days.

*Walk grading and map are not to scale and indicative only.

Walking Track

Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday

2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides

6 nights private accommodation in rooms with ensuites

6 cooked breakfasts and 6 dinners prepared by professional chefs with an emphasis on Tasmanian local produce

Comprehensive walkers lunches every day augmented by Auswalk’s trail mix

We stay in high quality resorts and motels, with all rooms having their own ensuite. The accommodations are in beautiful locations, providing further opportunity to walk and explore.

All the two course dinners are prepared by professional chefs in the accommodation restaurants. Enjoy some of the best local produce this country has to offer with an emphasis on Tasmanian local produce. Start each day with a substantial cooked breakfast to ready yourself for the upcoming walk.

The packed lunches and picnics complete the circle ensuring that your appetite is always satisfied. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different. Lunch is always augmented by Auswalk’s trail mix. You can look forward to having lunch on a daily basis at some of the most beautiful remote locations in Tasmania.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

This trip operates with two professional and experienced guides, knowledgeable of the area and natural surroundings, including the local fauna, flora and history.

The tracks are mostly well cared for, dry and firm this time of year. However, on the odd occasion we have encountered wet portions of track. Most of the walks are moderate. The easier alternative walks are great for first timers. Some walks involve challenging walking of between 5 to 7 hours each day with some steep ascents and descents, so the experienced hikers won’t be disappointed.

Pre and post tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Launceston, however we pick up and drop off from two central hotels. The tour starts at 8.00am at the Colonial Motor Inn,31 Elizabeth St, in Launceston. At the end of the tour we drop you to Hobart airport at approximately 5.00pm or at the Fountainside Hotel Hobart.

Summer is our preferred time of year for hiking in Tasmania. The east coast is suitable from November to May. See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your Auswalk holiday after we have confirmed it. We offer a 30% discount on travel insurance booked via our website. Get an instant quote and purchase online now.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

REQUEST TO BOOK

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Please do not book flights until receiving a confirmation from Auswalk